On September 13, the JW Marriott in Hong Kong was transformed into a dazzling hub for the legal elite at the 23rd Annual ALB Hong Kong Law Awards. This prestigious gala, renowned within the city's legal calendar, brought together over 350 distinguished professionals from more than 100 law firms and 60 in-house legal teams, all eager to celebrate innovation and excellence within the legal profession.

This year broke records with over 650 submissions spanning 56 award categories, highlighting the event's importance in acknowledging outstanding achievements in law. Among the most competitive categories were the Young Lawyer of the Year and M&A Deal of the Year, each attracting more than 40 entries. The Woman Lawyer of the Year and Debt Market Deal of the Year categories were strong contenders as well, showcasing the depth of talent in Hong Kong's legal arena.

The ceremony featured a special address by guest of honour Grenville Cross, a distinguished British barrister and former Director of Public Prosecutions for Hong Kong from 1997 to 2009. Cross inspired attendees with his words: “The awards being made tonight will undoubtedly spur the recipients to greater heights while also inspiring their peers to seek to emulate their example. Those who have missed out this year must not be discouraged, for they will have another opportunity to shine. Everybody serving the law in Hong Kong is committed to excellence, and tonight’s awards reaffirm that our legal system is in exceptionally capable hands.”

In an impressive display of talent and dedication, Deacons clinched the coveted title of Hong Kong Law Firm of the Year. Keith Brandt of Dentons Hong Kong was honored as Managing Partner of the Year, while the prestigious Woman Lawyer of the Year award (Law Firm) went to Mayer Brown's Asia chair Hannah Ha. The Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year accolade was awarded to Clifford Chance's Hong Kong practice, further emblematic of the firm's commitment to social responsibility.

The spotlight also shone on in-house legal teams, with Tencent Holdings being recognized as the Hong Kong In-House Team of the Year. Other notable winners included China International Capital Corporation (International) for Investment Banking In-House Team of the Year, FWD Group for Insurance In-House Team of the Year, and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation which secured the title of GBA In-House Team of the Year.

The 2023 ALB Hong Kong Law Awards not only celebrated the achievements of the legal community but also reflected the dynamic nature and resilience of Hong Kong's legal landscape. With the sheer volume of submissions across various categories, it is evident that the sector is committed to excellence and innovation, adapting swiftly to the evolving business environment.

As the night came to a close, the atmosphere buzzed with optimism and camaraderie, paving the way for future accomplishments in the legal realm. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring stories from this extraordinary community of legal professionals!